Floating Solar Panels: Origin, Pros & Cons, Projects, & Challenges

Floating solar systems are solar panels installed on bodies of water, such as lakes, reservoirs, and canals, instead of on land. This technology, known as floating photovoltaics (FPV), allows for solar energy generation without taking up land space. Global FPV capacity exceeded two gigawatts as of 2021, demonstrating its potential in renewable energy. Unlike ground-mounted panels, FPV systems float on water, benefiting from its cooling effect, which improves efficiency.

Europe hasn’t embraced floating solar panels as much as it should, but an old mining site could serve as a suitable location for FPV installation to avoid space constraints for solar energy. Currently, floating solar panels contribute to energy production in very small quantities.

Floating Solar Panels Origin

The United States warship, “Jacona” transformed into a water-based power plant in the 1930s, giving rise to floating solar panels. Japan formally introduced the concept of floating photovoltaics (FPV), pioneering the technology through patents filed by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. and Mitsui Zosen KK. Japan further solidified its role as a leader by installing the first official floating solar system in Aichi in 2007.

Meanwhile, other nations like the U.S., Denmark, France, and Italy also contributed to the early development, with Italy registering its first patent for water-based PV modules in 2008. This initiated a rapidly expanding segment of renewable energy, especially in regions with land use restrictions.

How are floating solar panels different from traditional panels?

Floating solar panels are a newer technology, with the first installation in 2007. While it’s still difficult to fully assess the economic benefits and durability of these systems, early users are already seeing savings. Interestingly, hollow plastic buoys, rather than metal racking, support traditional solar panels in floating arrays. These buoys keep the panels afloat on water, anchored with cables that transfer the solar power to land for conversion to electricity.

The mounting method is the primary distinction between floating and traditional solar panels. Floating panels are attached to water, whereas traditional ones are fixed to rooftops or the ground. Both types have their pros and cons. Floating panels are generally more efficient, require no land, and have a lower environmental impact, but they are more expensive and complicated to install. Traditional panels are less costly, easier to install, and not exposed to the elements, but they are less efficient and need land, which can impact the environment.

Choosing the right type of solar panel depends on your needs and budget. Floating panels are ideal if efficiency is your priority and you have the budget, while traditional panels are better for those seeking affordability.

Components of floating PV system

1. Pontoon: A flotation device designed to hold a series of solar modules based on space availability.
2. Floats: Hollow plastic floats, typically made of HDPE, that provide buoyancy for the floating platform.
3. Mooring system: Keeps the floating solar panels in position and prevents them from drifting.
4. Solar PV module: Standard crystalline solar modules used, with future needs for corrosion-resistant versions in salty environments.
5. Cables and connectors: Transport electricity from the solar array to land, requiring waterproof and robust cables.

How do farms of floating solar panels work?

Floating solar panels operate similarly to ground-mounted systems but are installed on water instead of land. Flotation devices like pontoons or HDPE plastic floats support the solar modules, which harness sunlight to generate electricity. The proximity to water helps cool the solar cells, improving efficiency, especially in hot conditions. To keep the system in place, the panels are anchored to the bottom of the water body using heavy concrete blocks. Electricity generated is transmitted via cables to the shore, where it connects to the power grid. Additional engineering is required for anchoring and protecting the system from water-related challenges.

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What are the challenges of installing floating solar panels?

Floating solar panels offer a highly effective means of generating significant quantities of power while minimizing land usage and reducing their adverse effects on the surrounding environment.
However, there are some problems that can complicate the installation process:

The selection of the installation place should be done with great care. There are a lot more possible locations now that solar panels can be mounted on water, but they cannot be set up just anywhere. Prior to commencing construction, installers must assess wind speeds, water level fluctuations, aquatic vegetation, and wildlife, as well as various other aspects.
The installation process may require a longer duration.

Furthermore, the reason for this is not solely due to the fact that installers are required to dedicate a significant amount of time to thoroughly inspecting all the aspects that were mentioned previously. The mooring and anchoring methods utilized in floating PV systems are intricate and require a significant amount of time for installation. Installing electrical equipment in water can be hazardous if not done carefully and attentively. Installers must adhere to stringent electrical safety measures at all times.

Pros and cons of floating solar panels

Pros of floating solar panels

Some floating solar systems can be amazing for tourism

Floating solar systems has an inherent aesthetic appeal. In Thailand, government constructed a 415-meter long “Nature Walkway” adjacent to the dam, providing tourists with the opportunity to take a walk alongside the water and observe the arrangement of shining panels.

Cons of floating solar panels

Floating solar farms impacts on Environment

The floating solar panels have five major environmental impacts:

1. The aquatic ecosystem suffered greatly as a result of the natural water body’s alteration.
2. While installing the floating solar farms on the natural water body, the construction material can be left over there and may cause water pollution. We must exercise caution before installing floating solar panels to preserve the aquatic ecosystem.
3. Floating solar systems change water temperature where they are installed and hence affect aquatic life by disturbing their thermodynamics.
4. The noise created during the construction and operation of the floating solar panels also disrupts the aquatic life.
5. Chemical leaching is a risk, particularly when using low-quality materials. Water pollution affects aquatic life badly.

Environmental Benefits of Floating Solar Farms

1. Floating solar systems are the best option in those places where the land is limited. Installing these panels on water bodies frees up land for other uses such as agriculture. Installation of floating solar farms helps in land and biodiversity conservation.
2. Evaporation of the water reduces up to 70%, and hence floating solar panels help in water conservation.
3. Like conventional solar panels, floating solar panels are also a source of green energy. Since they do not require the burning of fossil fuels to generate energy, they do not emit harmful gases such as greenhouse gases, thereby contributing to environmental safety.

Floating solar panel project and companies List in the World

Floating solar panel project in Pakistan

The Sindh government is launching a significant renewable energy initiative with the development of a 550MW floating solar power plant on Keenjhar Lake. This project, in collaboration with Go Energy Pvt Limited and various government departments, aims to provide affordable and environmentally friendly electricity.

The floating solar panels will not only generate power but also reduce water evaporation from the lake, benefiting the ecosystem. With an expected completion by the end of 2026, the project will contribute to the region’s economic growth, job creation, and the promotion of green energy.

What is the potential future of floating solar farms in the US?

The utilization of floating solar panels has significant opportunities in the United States. In 2019, the United States accounted for a mere 1% of the global installation of floating solar panels, while Asia took the lead by installing 87% of the total. As mentioned before, 10% of the nation’s electricity might be generated by floating solar panels placed in each of the 24,000 artificial ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in the United States.

All of this without depleting precious land resources that could be allocated for alternative purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, or preserving natural landscapes for the purpose of sequestering carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Various projects are emerging around the United States, and a recently reported initiative at Fort Bragg in North Carolina will be the most extensive in the Southeast.

It will also be the first floating solar panel array constructed by Duke Energy. A prominent site and a well-known company’s decision to build a floating solar panel system indicate the increasing popularity of these types of projects.

List of Floating Solar Projects in India

5 largest floating solar plants

Floating solar panels in ocean

Floating solar panels on ocean is an innovation of the advanced green energy technology. This innovation will help in the water conservation and protect aquatic life that it will help more to manage aquatic life. Moreover, the evaporation of water will reduce and space for green energy will be available for unlimited energy production.

Floating solar panels for pools

You can replace unused swimming pools with floating solar panels. A Japanese school has transformed an old swimming pool into a floating solar panel power system to supply electricity to the school. The advantage of installing floating solar panels on a swimming pool is that we can reuse existing pool facilities, such as the fences around the pool and the changing room for the storage area. Additionally, the concrete poolside eliminates the need for excavation of the land.

Does floating solar make sense for homeowners?

Unfortunately, the utilization of floating solar panels is not a practical option for the majority of homeowners. If you do not have access to a personal pond or lake, conventional solar panels are the most advantageous option for you.

Final Thoughts

Floating solar panels can be particularly advantageous in areas where land is scarce. Although the initial investment for their installation is high, they have proven beneficial when the land is used for agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Despite the installation of a few floating solar farms and their increasing global popularity, there remains a need to transition to more advanced technologies and take more careful considerations when installing floating solar panels.